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Affeldt sees no problem in prepping for Classic

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Jeremy Affeldt believes that he won't have to rush to get game-ready for the World Baseball Classic.

"The main thing for me is to get past the early Spring Training soreness," said Affeldt, who's on Team USA's roster. "It's not like I have a trick pitch. I throw a fastball, a curveball and a split-finger. I'm trying to make sure I can get them 60 feet, six inches in the air. In the three weeks I have to get it going, I don't see why I can't be ready."

Affeldt threw three bullpen sessions before Giants pitchers and catchers opened workouts Wednesday. He added a fourth that morning. The left-hander probably will receive ample activity early in the Giants' exhibition schedule, which begins Feb. 23 against the Los Angeles Angels.

Affeldt believes that game situations, even the low-intensity ones that typify the Cactus League, will help his preparation.

"I'm very competitive once I get out there in games," Affeldt said Thursday. "Instead of working in my curveball, I'll probably want to have my curveball, so I'll snap it a little harder earlier and get the arm speed going."